Carton



y 1968 H. GANZ ETAL 3,381,881

CARTON Filed Jan. 18, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR-S Henry Gonz a Harry J. Rossi V ZLMM, $0412, lwb Egg ORNEYS Unite States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a carton having a terminal panel which is interlocked with another terminal panel to form a wall of the carton which opposes ends of cans disposed in two rows. The one terminal panel is constructed to provide a rib which extends between the rows of cans and is configurated to interlock with the cans. In addition, the one terminal panel is provided on opposite side of the rib with reversely folded flaps receivable within the recessed ends of the cans and interlockable therewith to cooperate with the rib in locking the cans in fixed positions within the carton.

This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in cartons, and more particularly to a novel can carrier.

This invention principally relates to a can carrier of the wrap-around type which is formed of relatively inexpensive paperboard. Initially, the can carriers were slit or apertured at the corners thereof along the fold lines joining together adjacent panels and the chimes or double seams of the cans were permitted to pass out through the slits or apertures to form the desired interlock. Of course, the slitting or cutting of the carrier along the fold lines greatly weakened the carrier. In an attempt to reduce the gauge of the paperboard from which the carton blanks are formed, efforts have been made towards eliminating the slits or cuts in the carrier along the fold lines between adjacent panels. However, suitable interlock means must be provided between the cans and the carrier to prevent the cans from sliding out of the open ends thereof. Also, it is necessary to firmly interlock the cans within the carrier in a manner so that the can cannot damage one another.

This invention particularly relates to can carriers of the wrap-around type where in one wall of the carrier is formed of two interlocked lap panels. Due to the con struction of the latch which interlocks together the two lap panels, the construction of the wall of the carton formed by the lap panels differs on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line thereof. Accordingly, different types of can retaining means are necessary for the opposite sides thereof.

The innermost lap panel is provided with catch openings or apertures which are normally formed by the re moval of material. In accordance with this invention, it is proposed to utilize this material which is normally waste to form integral locking tabs which are engageable within recessed ends of cans so as to position them within the can carrier.

The opposite end of the inner lap panel has a free longitudinal edge. In accordance with this invention, other locking tabs are formed along this free edge in longitudinally spaced relation and are reversely folded so as to oppose generally the center of the can carrier. These locking flaps are also configurated to be snugly received within the recessed ends of cans.

In the past, the inner lap panel of a wrap-around can carrier has been provided with an upstanding rib with which the cans are interlocked. In accordance with this invention, it is proposed to provide the inner lap panel with such a rib. This rib in no way interferes with the formation of the aforementioned locking tabs, and the locking tabs cooperate with the rib to tightly interlock a cam with the can carrier.

With the above and other objets in view that will here inafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a can package formed in accordance with this invention and wherein a portion of the can carrier and the cans positioned therein have been broken away in order to more clearly illustrate the details of construction of the can carrier.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view on an enlarged scale from which the can carrier of FIGURE 1 is formed, an intermediate portion of the blank being omitted.

FIGURE 3 is a horizontal sectional view, on an enlarged scale, through the can package along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 and shows specific details of the construc tion of the bottom wall of the can carrier and the rela tionship thereof with respect to cans disposed therein.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 3 and shows further the details of the interlock between the bottom wall of the can carrier and the cans.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG URE 4 and shows further details of the interlock.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURE 1 a can package which is generally referred to by the numeral 10. The can package 10 is formed of six conventional cans C which are arranged in two rows of three cans each. The cans C have wrapped therearound a can carrier of the wraparound type, the can carrier being generally referred to by the numeral 11. The can carrier 11 is in the form of a sleeve with which the cans C are interlocked in such a manner so as to prevent the accidental sliding thereof out through the open ends of the can carrier.

The can carrier 11 is of a one-piece construction and is formed of an elongated blank, which is generally referred to by the numeral 12. The can carrier 11 includes a top r panel 13 to which there are hingedly connected side panels 14 and 15. The side panel 14 is connected to the top panel 13 along a longitudinal fold line 16. In a like manner, the side panel 15 is connected to the top panel 13 along a longitudinal fold line 17.

The can carrier 11 also include-s a bottom wall, which is generally referred to by the numeral 18. The bottom wall 18 is of a composite construction and opposes the top panel 13. The bottom wall is formed of a pair of lap panels 20 and 21 which are interlocked together. The lap panel 20 is hingedly connected to the side panel 14 along a longitudinal fold line 23, while the lap panel 21 is hingedly connected to the side panel 15 along a longitudinal fold line 24.

The interlocking connection between the lap panels 20 and 21 is formed by means of a latch panel 25 which is disposed along the longitudinal edge of the lap panel 20 remote from the side panel 14. The latch panel 25 is hingedly connected to the lap panel 20 along a longitudinal fold line 26-. The free end of the latch panel 25 is of a scalloped configuration so as to present a plurality of longitudinally spaced latching tongues 27. Gene-rally C- shaped cuts are formed in the lap panel 20 along the fold line 26 at longitudinally spaced intervals. These cuts define catches 28 along the latch panel 25, which catches are spaced longitudinally along the fold line 26.

In the prior can carrier constructions, the lap panel 21 is provided with longitudinally spaced latch openings or apertures having a first wall behind which the catches 28 engage, and a second wall behind which the tongues 27 engage. The material removed in the formation of the latch apertures was wasted. However, in accordance with this invention, this material is utilized in a manner which will be described hereinafter.

It is to be noted that the ends of the cans C are of a recessed construction and each can end includes a recessed end panel 29 defined by an axially projecting chime or double seam 30. The chime or double seam 30 also projects radially outwardly of the remainder of the can.

The manner in which the cans C are interconnected with the top panel 13 is not a part of this invention, and therefore, will not be described in complete detail here. However, it is to be noted that the top panel 13 has centrally located, depending flaps 31 which are clamped between the chimes 30 of the transversely adjacent cans at the upper ends thereof. The endmost ones of the cans C are restrained against movement out through the open ends of the can carrier 11 by means of locking flaps 32 which are struck from the top panel 13 and reversely folded, the locking flaps 32 being seated within the recessed upper ends of the cans C. The upper panel 13 is also provided with cuts 33 defining depressible flaps which, when depressed, facilitate the gripping of the package 10.

The new features of the can carrier 11 are found in the bottom wall 18, and more particularly on the lap panel 21. It is to be noted that the construction of the lap panel 21 is more than that necessary to provide an interlock with the lap panel 20 so as to complete the bottom of the can carrier 11. The lap panel 21. includes a relatively wide terminal portion or extension 34 which extends beyond the transverse center of the can carrier 11. The extension 34 is provided with a fold line 35 which extends longitudinally of the can carrier. On opposite sides of the fold line 35, there are interrupted fold lines 36 and 37 which are parallel to the fold line 35. The fold lines 36 and 37 are interrupted by C-shaped cuts 38 and 40, respectively, which are disposed in back-to-back relation. When the lap panel 21 is folded along the fold lines 35, 36 and 37, an upstanding rib 41 will result. The rib 41 extends along the longitudinal center of the can carrier 11 from one end to the other, as is clearly shown in FIGURES 1 and 5.

The C-shaped cuts 38 and 40 result in the formation of pockets 42 in the rib 41 at the base thereof, and on opposite sides thereof, in position for receiving the chimes 30 of the cans C in the manner best shown in FIGURE 5. The rib 41, being at the bottom of the can carrier 11, may be considered a keel. The rib 41 is reinforced by upstanding tabs 43 which are struck from the lap panel 20 and are positioned within the rib 41 in the manner also best shown in FIGURE 5.

This invention particularly relates to the provision of additional means for interlocking the cans C with the can carrier 11 in the bottom portion thereof. To this end, the panel extension 34 is provided along the free edges thereof with arcuate projections which are centered relative to the C-shaped cuts 38 and 40. Each projection is connected to the free edge of the lap panel 21 along an interrupted fold line 44, the fold line 44 being interrupted by a generally C-shaped cut 45. Each projection is thus generally C-shaped in outline and is in the form of a locking tab 46. It is to be understood that the arcuate peripheral edge of each locking tab is of a radius of curvature corresponding to the internal radius of curvature of the chime 30.

It is to be noted that when the locking tabs are utilized, they are reversely folded into overlying relation with respect to the adjacent portion of the panel extension 34. This is clearly shown in FIGURES 3 and 5. In order that the locking tabs 46 may be retained in their operative positions during the folding of the blank 12 around the cans C, there is struck from the panel extension 34 in alignment with each of the locking tabs 46 a generally 4 semi-circular restraining tab 47. When the locking tab 46 is reversely folded, it snaps past the restraining tab 47 and is retained in its reversely folded position thereby in the manner clearly shown in FIGURES 3 and 5.

It will be readily apparent from FIGURES 3 and 5 that not only do the locking tabs 46 serve to position the cans C within the can carrier 11 by preventing their longitudinal movement, but also, the locking tabs 46 cooperate with the rib or keel 41 to firmly anchor the cans.

A further feature of this invention is the provision of additional locking tabs on the side of the rib or keel 41 remote from the locking tabs 46. As was previously pointed out, normally the lap panel 21 was provided with latch openings or apertures through which the catches 28 and the tongues 27 were passed to form the interlock between the lap panels 20 and 21. The material removed in the formation of these latch openings was wasted. In accordance with this invention, this material is utilized in the form of integral locking tabs.

Considering the central portion of the lap panel 21, it will be seen that there is formed therein a locking tab 48 which is connected to the panel 21 along a fold line 49 which extends longitudinally of the panel. When the locking tab 48 is reversely folded out of the plane of the panel 21 to the position clearly shown in FIGURE 5, there is formed in the lap panel 21 the normal latch opening or aperture 50. In order to provide for the proper reception of the associated tongue 27, at the edge of the latch opening 50 parallel to the fold line 49, slits 51. are formed as a continuation of that edge.

It is to be noted that the edge of the locking tab 48 remote from the fold line 49 is configurated to be received within the recessed end of a can and to frictionally grip the chime thereof. The locking tab 48 thus prevents a central one of the cans C from shifting longitudinally within the can carrier 11. At the same time, the locking tab 48 cooperates with the rib or keel 41 to tightly clamp the associated can at the central portion of the can carnet.

It will be readily apparent from FIGURE 5 that the locking tab 48 in no way interferes with the forming of the interlock between the lap panels 20 and 21. The associated catch 28 is passed through the latch opening 50 in the normal manner and is engaged behind the locking tab 49. Thereafter, the associated tongue 27 is passed through the latch opening 50 and is suitably engaged in the slits 51 so as to be retained in place in the manner shown in FIGURE 5 The material which normally results in the forming of the two outer latch openings is utilized differently than that of the central latch opening. The outer latch openings 52 are defined partially by cut lines and partially by a pair of notches 53 and 54. The cut lines define a latching tab 55 which is integrally connected to the remainder of the lap panel 21 along a fold line 56 which extends transversely of the lap panel 21. In view of the fact that all of the material which is normally removed in the forming of the latch opening 52 is not removed when the locking tab 55 is reversely folded, it will be seen that the notch 53 provides for the reception of the associated tongue 27 while the notch 54 provides for the reception of the associated catch 28. It is also to be noted that at the end of the latch opening 52 adjacent the fold line 24, there are provided longitudinally extending slits 57 for facilitating the locking of the associated tongue 27 in place.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 3 in particular, it will be seen that the longitudinal inner edge of each reversely folded locking tab 55 is contoured for engagement with the inner surface of a chime 30 of a can C. The locking tabs 55 accordingly restrain the endmost cans C for movement out of the open ends of the can carrier 11. It is also to be noted that the locking tabs 55 in no way interfere with the interconnecting of the lap panels 20 and 21. The catches 28 can be freely passed through the latch openings 52 and the tongues 27 are readily passable through the latch openings 52 in the associated slits 57.

It is also to be noted that the locking tabs 55 serve to cam the cans C towards the keel 41. Thus, there is a definite cooperate between the locking tabs 55 and the keel 41 in the retaining of cans in place within the can carrier 11.

Although only a single preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the can carrier construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a carton of the type for receiving a plurality of cans having recessed ends, a single panel adapted to engage the ends of cans arranged in two rows, said panel having an upstanding rib adapted to extend between two rows of cans, and can retaining means carried by said panel on opposite sides of said rib for locking engagement within recessed ends of cans and for cooperation with said rib to prevent shifting of cans within said carton.

2. The carton of claim 1 wherein said panel has a free edge and certain of said can retaining means being formed along said free edge.

3. The carton of claim 1 wherein said panel has a free edge and certain of said can retaining means being formed along said free edge, said certain can retaining means being in the form of reversely folded locking tabs.

4. The carton of claim 1 wherein said panel has a free edge and certain of said can retaining means being formed along said free edge, said certain can retaining means being in the form of reversely folded locking tabs, each having a peripheral edge contoured to snugly fit a can.

5. The carton of claim 1 wherein said panel has a free edge and certain of said can retaining means being formed along said free edge, said certain can retaining means being in the form of reversely folded locking tabs, each having a central cut-out and a holding tab carried by said end panel generally within each cutout and overlying a respective locking tab to hold each locking tab in its reversely folded position.

6. The carton of claim 1 wherein said can retaining means are in the form of integral reversely folded locking flaps.

7. The carton of claim 1 wherein said carbon is of the type having lap panels interconnected by a mechanical interlock, said panel being one of said lap panels and latch apertures therein for receiving panel interlocking catches, and certain of said can retaining means being in the form of locking tabs formed from the material removed in forming said latch apertures and reversely folded over said panel.

8. The carton of claim 1 wherein said carton is of the type having lap panels interconnected by a mechanical interlock, said panel being one of said lap panels and latch apertures therein for receiving panel interlocking catches, and certain of said can retaining means being in the form of locking tabs formed from the material removed in forming said latch apertures and reversely folded over said panel, said locking tabs including a central locking tab opposing said rib, and outer locking tabs ex tending in opposite directions generally parallel to said rib.

9. A lap panel of a can carrier of the sleeve type, said lap panel being particularly adapted for forming an interlocking connection with a second lap panel and having latch apertures therein for receiving locking catches; the improvement in said panel comprising the utilization of the material normally removed as Waste in the forming of said latch apertures for forming locking tabs receivable with recessed ends of cans, said normally removed material being reversely folded to one side of said aperture and having an edge contoured for snug engagement within a recessed can end.

10. The can carrier lap panel of claim 9 wherein said locking tabs are spaced longitudinally of said lap panel with a central locking tab extending transversely, and outer locking tabs extending generally longitudinally in opposite directions.

11. The can carrier lap panel of claim 9 wherein said lap panel has a free longitudinal edge, and second locking tabs formed in longitudinally spaced relation along said free edge and reversely folded towards the firstmentioned locking tabs.

12. The can carrier lap panel of claim 9 wherein said la-p panel has a free longitudinal edge, and second locking tabs formed in longitudinally spaced relation along said free edge and reversely folded towards the firstmentioned locking tabs, each second locking tab having a central cut-out, and a holding tab carrier by said lap panel generally within each cut-out and overlying a respective second locking tab to hold each second locking tab in its reversely folded position.

13. The can carrier lap panel of claim 9 wherein said lap panel has a free longitudinal edge, and second locking tabs formed in longitudinally spaced relation along said free edge and reversely folded towards the first-mentioned locking tabs, said lap panel having longitudinal fold line means extending therealong intermediate the first-mentioned locking tabs and said second locking tabs for forming an intermediate rib cooperable with all of said locking tabs to retain cans in place.

14. A terminal can carrier panel having a free longitudinal edge, and locking tab formed in longitudinally spaced relation along said edge and being reversely folded into overlapping relation relative to said panel, said locking tabs each having a free peripheral edge contoured for snug interlocking engagement within a recessed can end.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,523,985 9/1950 Foster 220112 X 3,163,322 12/1964 Weiss 22940 X 3,223,308 12/1965 Weiss 206- 3,292,843 12/1966 Chidsey et al. 20665 DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Primary Examiner. 

